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Local health students celebrate nurse anesthetist careers Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) across the nation have been celebrating their profession. As student nurse anesthetists, we would like to take a moment in this article to help educate those of you who have never heard of our wonderful profession. CRNAs are specialists in the area of anesthesia and administer approximately 27 million anesthetics to Americans each year. They serve as the sole anesthesia providers in more than 65 percent of rural hospitals, which allows patients to receive obstetrical, surgical and trauma stabilization services without having to travel to an urban medical facility. CRNAs are able to practice and administer anesthesia in all types of surgeries and in any setting where anesthesia is delivered. Chances are that if you have undergone any of these procedures, then a CRNA was an integral part of providing your care. So, what is the primary role of a CRNA? CRNAs are advanced practice nurses who take care of patients before, during and after surgical, obstetrical or trauma stabilization procedures. The CRNA stays with his/her patient throughout the entire procedure, closely monitoring vital signs and body functions to ensure patient safety and comfort. Can CRNAs be trusted to provide your anesthetic care? The answer is YES! Educational requirements are very stringent. A Registered Nurse must first obtain a bachelor's of science in nursing. Then he/she must obtain a minimum on one year's acute/critical care nursing experience. Then, the nurse is eligible to apply for a graduate program in Nursing Anesthesia. There are over 100 accredited CRNA programs across the nation, two of which are located in Georgia. The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and Mercer University in Macon both offer CRNA education in Georgia. Most graduate programs are 24-36 months in length, and involve rigorous coursework as well as a clinical practicum that requires students to practice anesthesia in various settings including rural, obstetrics, neurologic, pediatric, and cardiac anesthesia. After completion of the program, students are then required to pass a national certificationexam to become a CRNA.
So, next time you have a procedure that requires anesthesia, ask who is providing the service. If it is a CRNA, you can simply "Rest Easy because a CRNA is by your side!" For more information on the role of CRNAs or how to become a CRNA, please visit the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists Website at www.aana.com.
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